:Thon Maker

Maker was born in Wau,{{cite web |date=30 June 2016 |title=This Australian Passport Might Put The Great Thon Maker Age Conspiracy To Rest Once And For All |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/australian-passport-might-put-great-225253638.html |url-status=dead |access-date=30 June 2016 |work=Yahoo.com |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116095241/https://www.yahoo.com/news/australian-passport-might-put-great-225253638.html }} a city located in what is now South Sudan. His uncle, a local administrator, arranged for Maker, his younger brother, Matur, and his aunt to escape the civil war to Uganda. From there, they were accepted as refugees by Australia; they then moved to Perth, Western Australia when Maker was five years of age{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/former-mirrabooka-schoolboy-thon-maker-makes-his-nba-debut-ng-ya-243665|title=Former Mirrabooka schoolboy Thon Maker makes his NBA debut|work=TheWest.com.au|date=10 October 2016|access-date=2 November 2017}} and the family eventually settled down.{{cite web|last=Sygall|first=David|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/refugees-escaping-war-are-aiming-for-the-stars-20130810-2rovx.html|title=Refugees escaping war are aiming for the stars|work=SMH.com.au|date=11 August 2013|access-date=8 September 2014}}

When he was 14, Maker was discovered playing soccer in the Perth suburb of Mirrabooka, by Edward Smith, an Australian of African-American heritage who helped children from migrant backgrounds receive opportunities they otherwise would not get.{{cite web|last=Croy|first=Liam|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/mirrabooka-schoolboy-thon-maker-to-play-in-the-nba-ng-ya-110842|title=Mirrabooka schoolboy Thon Maker to play in the NBA|work=TheWest.com.au|date=24 June 2016|access-date=8 February 2017}} Smith had previously helped fellow South Sudanese immigrants Ater Majok and Mathiang Muo, now both professional basketball players. Smith offered his aunt to feed, clothe and educate Maker in Sydney where Maker played basketball for the St. George Basketball Association during 2011. Just before the team's playoffs, Maker and Smith left to attend a talent camp in Texas.

File:Thon Maker (cropped).jpg

Once in the United States, Maker attended two schools in Louisiana, including Metairie Park Country Day School,{{cite web|last=Roser|first=Jerit|url=http://www.nola.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2016/04/nba_draft_thon_maker_simmons.html|title=Former Country Day standout Thon Maker joins Ben Simmons in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft|work=NOLA.com|date=26 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016}} before finally settling down at Carlisle School in Martinsville, Virginia. During his freshman and sophomore years playing for Carlisle's varsity team, Maker averaged 22.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 4.5 blocks over a total of 53 games.{{cite web|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/thon-maker/by74QPTwEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/basketball-stats.htm|title=Thon Maker's Basketball Stats|work=MaxPreps.com|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=25 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125090236/http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/thon-maker/by74QPTwEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/basketball-stats.htm|url-status=dead}} As a sophomore, he earned 2013–14 Gatorade Virginia Boys Basketball Player of the Year honours after leading Carlisle to a state championship.{{cite web|last=Rohrbach|first=Ben|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/thon-maker-becomes-first-prep-to-pro-first-round-pick-since-2004-020813008.html|title=Thon Maker becomes first prep-to-pro first-round pick since 2005|work=Yahoo.com|date=23 June 2016|access-date=23 June 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://usatodayhss.com/2014/virginia-boys-basketball-poy-thon-maker|title=Virginia Boys Basketball POY: Thon Maker|publisher=USA Today High School Sports|date=March 21, 2014|access-date=February 29, 2020}}

On 5 September 2014, Maker and his brother enrolled at the Athlete Institute in Mono, Ontario where Edward Smith was already an assistant coach. In conjunction with the Athlete Institute, the brothers enrolled at Orangeville District Secondary School in the nearby town of Orangeville.{{cite web|last=Biancardi|first=Paul|authorlink=Paul Biancardi|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/11472092|title=Thon Maker heading to Canada|work=ESPN.com|date=5 September 2014|access-date=1 August 2021}} On 29 December 2014, Maker scored 16 points and 9 rebounds in a 79–75 win over Dennis Smith Jr. and Trinity Christian School.{{Cite web|url=https://www.highschoolot.com/maker-orangeville-win-battle-of-superstars-over-smith-trinity/14315934/|title=Maker, Orangeville win battle of superstars over Smith, Trinity|publisher=High School OT|date=December 29, 2014|access-date=February 29, 2020}} On 30 December 2014, Maker scored 24 points and 11 rebounds as his team loss to Harry Giles and Wesleyan Christian Academy in the championship game of the High School OT Holiday Invitational tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fayobserver.com/article/20141230/Blogs/312309752|title=ACC Basketball: Harry Giles, Wesleyan Christian top Thon Maker, Orangeville Prep in title game|last=Strelow|first=Brett|date=December 30, 2014|publisher=The Fayetteville Observer|access-date=February 29, 2020}}

On 18 February 2015, Maker announced his decision to reclassify into the 2015 class, which would have made 2014–15 his final year of high school.{{cite web|last=Borzello|first=Jeff|title=Prospect Maker: On track to graduate in '15 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/12341997|work=ESPN.com|date=18 February 2015|access-date=1 August 2021}}{{cite web|last=Vecenie|first=Sam|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25072998/top-recruit-thon-maker-set-to-graduate-reclassify-into-class-of-2015|title=Top recruit Thon Maker set to graduate, reclassify into Class of 2015|work=CBSSports.com|date=18 February 2015|access-date=18 February 2015}} He later participated in the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon.{{cite web|last=Vecenie|first=Sam|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25102661/world-team-roster-announced-for-2015-nike-hoop-summit|title=World Team roster announced for 2015 Nike Hoop Summit|work=CBSSports.com|date=11 March 2015|access-date=11 March 2015}}{{cite web|last=Uluc|first=Olgun|url=http://pickandroll.com.au/simmons-maker-wynyard-nike-hoop-summit/|title=Simmons, Maker and Wynyard named to 2015 Nike Hoop Summit World Team|work=PickAndRoll.com.au|date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015}} Playing alongside fellow Australian Ben Simmons in the April 11 game, Maker recorded 10 rebounds, two points and one block as the World Team defeated Team USA, 103–101.{{cite web|last=Vecenie|first=Sam|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25145366/world-team-beats-usa-in-nike-hoop-summit-behind-murrays-30|title=World Team beats USA in Nike Hoop Summit behind Murray's 30|work=CBSSports.com|date=11 April 2015|access-date=12 April 2015}}

On 18 June 2015, Maker announced his decision to remain in the Class of 2016, and returned to Orangeville Prep for the 2015–16 season. Maker noted how stressful it was working toward entering the Class of 2015, with the issue centred on his workload and the pressure with "trying to get it all done at once".{{cite web|last=Dauster|first=Rob|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/06/18/thon-maker-to-remain-in-the-class-of-2016/|title=Thon Maker to remain in the Class of 2016|work=NBCSports.com|date=18 June 2015|access-date=18 June 2015}} He was being recruited by Arizona State, Florida State, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Notre Dame, St. John's and UNLV.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/172416|title=Thon Maker – Basketball Recruiting – Player Profiles|work=ESPN.com|access-date=6 May 2016}} On 21 June 2015, Maker was named MVP at the National Basketball Player's Association Top 100 camp.{{Cite web|url=https://usatodayhss.com/2015/thon-maker-mvp-all-star-team-nbpa-top-100-camp/amp|title=Video: Watch why Thon Maker was MVP at NBPA Top 100 camp; plus all-star team|publisher=USA Today High School Sports|date=June 21, 2015|access-date=February 29, 2020}}

On 3 April 2016, Maker declared his intentions to enter the 2016 NBA draft, a decision that required a ruling from the NBA to determine his eligibility.{{cite web|last=Wells|first=Adam|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2629175-thon-maker-will-declare-for-2016-nba-draft-latest-comments-and-reaction|title=Thon Maker Will Declare for 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction|work=BleacherReport.com|date=3 April 2016|access-date=15 April 2016}} To skip a year of college, Maker had to convince the NBA he graduated from Orangeville Prep in 2015. He successfully did so, proving he graduated from high school in June 2015 but elected to stay for a postgraduate year, fulfilling both the minimum age and one year removed requirements to the NBA's satisfaction. With a successful ruling, Maker became just the second player in more than a decade to make the leap from high school in North America straight to the draft{{cite web|last=Blakely|first=A. Sherrod|url=http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/gauging-stock-thon-maker-nba-drafts-mystery-man|title=GAUGING THE STOCK OF THON MAKER, THE NBA DRAFT'S MYSTERY MAN|work=CSNNE.com.au|date=2 May 2016|access-date=4 May 2016}} and the first to play in the NBA since the league introduced the "one-and-done" rule for high school students in 2005.{{cite web|last=Eisenberg|first=Jeff|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/thon-maker-being-ruled-draft-eligible-highlights-potential-loophole-211453383.html|title=Thon Maker being ruled draft-eligible highlights potential loophole|work=Yahoo.com|date=14 April 2016|access-date=15 April 2016}}{{cite web |last=Staff writers |date=15 April 2016 |title=Thon Maker ruled eligible for NBA Draft, US media give early verdict on Australian phenom's prospects |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/thon-maker-ruled-eligible-for-nba-draft-us-media-give-early-verdict-on-australian-phenoms-prospects/news-story/582a5da4497333bea426ea73696eb168 |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=FoxSports.com.au}}

Coming out of high school, Maker was considered a five-star recruit by most basketball recruiting services.{{cite web|url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/139172|title=Thon Maker|work=Rivals.com|access-date=27 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/Player/Thon-Maker-20987|title=Thon Maker|work=247Sports.com|access-date=8 September 2014}}{{cite web|last=Bedore|first=Gary|url=http://www2.kusports.com/news/2015/feb/23/jaylen-brown-will-take-his-time-thon-maker-details/|title=Jaylen Brown will take his time; Thon Maker details visit to KU|work=KUSports.com|date=23 February 2015|access-date=26 February 2015}}

Maker attended the 2016 NBA Draft Combine, where he was measured as the third-tallest player without shoes at {{Height|ft=6|in=11.75}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NBADraft/status/730475047882772484|title=Unofficially, the top three 2016 combine heights...|work=Twitter|date=11 May 2016|access-date=11 May 2016}} and recorded the highest no-step vertical jump (32") of any player over {{Height|ft=6|in=11}} in NBA Draft Combine history.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Sky_Smith_/status/731262874107166723|title=Thon Maker has HIGHEST No-Step Vert(32") &...|work=Twitter|date=13 May 2016|access-date=13 May 2016}}{{cite web|last=Uluc|first=Olgun|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/thon-maker-nba-draft-combine-analysis--how-the-australian-fared-at-the-predraft-showcase/news-story/b71f7a20e83002cd41613e89ac4430c8|title=Thon Maker NBA Draft Combine analysis – How the Australian fared at the pre-draft showcase|work=FoxSports.com.au|date=14 May 2016|access-date=14 May 2016}} In the days leading up to the draft, a number of teams ruled themselves out of selecting Maker in the first round over concerns that his age had been misrepresented, as some believed Maker to be between 21 and 23 years of age despite being officially listed as a 19-year-old.{{cite web|last=Scarito|first=Eddie|url=http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/06/draft-rumors-morning-maker-young-hawes.html|title=Draft Rumors – Morning: Maker, Young, Hawes|work=HoopsRumors.com|date=23 June 2016|access-date=23 June 2016}} Despite those concerns, he was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks,{{cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=23 June 2016 |title=Bucks draft Sudan native Thon Maker, 19, with 10th pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2016/story/_/id/16461999 |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=ESPN.com}}{{cite web |date=23 June 2016 |title=BUCKS SELECT MAKER WITH 10TH PICK IN 2016 NBA DRAFT |url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/release/bucks-select-maker-10th-pick-2016-nba-draft |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=NBA.com}} becoming the first high school player taken in the first round since the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement went into effect.

During the 2016 NBA Summer League, Maker averaged 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds{{cite web |date=18 July 2016 |title=Ben Simmons, Thon Maker named two of NBA Summer League's best players |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-18/aussie-nba-ben-simmons-thon-maker-named-summer-league-best-team/7638598 |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=ABC.net.au}} in five games for the Bucks and subsequently earned All-NBA Summer League Second Team honours.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/tyus-jones-named-summer-league-2016-mvp |title=Tyus Jones Named Summer League 2016 MVP|work=NBA.com|date=17 July 2016|access-date=14 May 2023}} On 30 July 2016, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Bucks.{{cite web |date=30 July 2016 |title=BUCKS SIGN THON MAKER AND MALCOLM BROGDON |url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/release/bucks-sign-thon-maker-and-malcolm-brogdon |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=NBA.com}} Maker made his NBA debut on 30 October 2016, entering the game with 95 seconds remaining in the final term of the Bucks' 98–83 loss to the Detroit Pistons;{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/nba-wrap-maker-debuts-mills-fires/news-story/dc9ec60f4dd97dbfd31ee2bb39cbb4b4|title=NBA Wrap: Maker debuts, Mills fires|work=News.com.au|date=1 November 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}} he recorded one rebound.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899488|title=Bucks vs. Pistons – Box Score|work=ESPN.com|date=30 October 2016|access-date=1 November 2016}} On 21 January 2017, he made his first start for the Bucks and subsequently had six points in 18 minutes in a 109–97 loss to the Miami Heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900076|title=Dion Waiters scores 33 to help Heat beat Bucks 109-97|work=ESPN.com|date=21 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}} On 1 February 2017, he scored a season-high 12 points in a 104–88 loss to the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/makerth01/gamelog/2017/|title=Thon Maker 2016-17 Game Log|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=3 March 2017}} On 10 February 2017, in the Bucks' first game since Jabari Parker was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, Maker started in Parker's place and recorded seven points and six rebounds in 17 minutes in a 122–114 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900207|title=Lakers survive late Bucks rally to win 122-114|work=ESPN.com|date=10 February 2017|access-date=11 February 2017}} The following day, he had a second 12-point effort in a 116–100 win over the Indiana Pacers. On 31 March 2017, he scored a career-high 23 points in a 108–105 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/milwaukee-bucks-thon-maker-khris-middleton-sets-career-high-leads-bucks-to-overtime-victory-033117|title=Maker sets career high, leads Bucks to overtime victory|work=FoxSports.com|date=31 March 2017|access-date=31 March 2017}}

On 22 November 2017, Maker scored a season-high 16 points against the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/makerth01/gamelog/2018/|title=Thon Maker 2017-18 Game Log|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=20 April 2018}} On 1 January 2018, he tied his season high with 16 points against the Toronto Raptors. In game 3 of the Bucks' first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Maker scored 14 points and blocked five shots, as the Bucks cut the series deficit to 2–1 with a 116–92 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029432|title=Defense found: Bucks overwhelm Celtics for 116-92 win|work=ESPN.com|date=20 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018}}{{cite web|last=Gay|first=Carlan|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba-au/news/watch-bucks-thon-maker-belts-multiple-celtics-shots-with-5-emphatic-first-half-blocks/5csgxxgk4fm01rflzo0v0wk83|title=Watch: Bucks' Thon Maker belts career-high 5 blocks as Milwaukee takes Game 3 over Celtics|work=SportingNews.com|date=20 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018}} He again blocked five shots in game 4, helping the Bucks even the series at 2–2 with a 104–102 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029434|title=Tied up: Giannis' tip-in lifts Bucks over Celtics in Game 4|work=ESPN.com|date=22 April 2018|access-date=22 April 2018}} The Bucks went on to lose the series in seven games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029437|title=Celtics beat Bucks 112-96 in Game 7, advance to play 76ers|work=ESPN.com|date=28 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018}}

On 7 January 2019, Maker had a season-high 15 points off the bench in a 114–102 win over the Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071270|title=Antetokounmpo scores 30 points as Bucks down Jazz 114-102|work=ESPN.com|date=7 January 2019|access-date=8 January 2019}} By late January, having had a reduced role in 2018–19 under new coach Mike Budenholzer, Maker reportedly requested a trade from the Bucks.{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|authorlink=Adrian Wojnarowski|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25858384|title=Sources: Thon Maker wants trade from Bucks with eye on more playing time|work=ESPN.com|date=26 January 2019|access-date=1 August 2021}}

On 7 February 2019, Maker was acquired by the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade involving the Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/news/milwaukee-bucks-acquire-nikola-mirotic-three-team-deal|title=Milwaukee Bucks Acquire Nikola Mirotic In Three-Team Deal|work=NBA.com|date=7 February 2019|access-date=7 February 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-acquire-thon-maker-part-three-team-deal |title=Detroit Pistons Acquire Thon Maker as Part of Three-Team Deal |work=NBA.com |date=8 February 2019 |access-date=8 February 2019}} On 22 February, he sank a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 16.7 seconds remaining to lift the Pistons to a 125–122 win over the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071550|title=Pistons survive Blake Griffin's ejection, top Hawks 125-122|work=ESPN.com|date=22 February 2019|access-date=22 February 2019}} It was announced on 19 November 2020 that Pistons general manager Troy Weaver opted to not extend Maker a qualifying offer, allowing him to become a free agent.{{cite web |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/11/21/here-are-17-moves-trades-draft-picks-free-agents-detroit-pistons-have-made-so-far-this-week|title=Here are 26 moves (trades, draft picks, free agents) Detroit Pistons have made so far this week |work=ClickOnDetroit.com |date=20 November 2020 |access-date=21 November 2020}}

On 30 November 2020, Maker signed a training camp contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{cite web |last=Gabriele |first=Joe |date=30 November 2020 |title=Cavaliers Add Three to 2020 Training Camp Roster |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/2020-training-camp-roster-201130 |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=NBA.com}} He played eight games for the Cavaliers in the 2020–21 season, scoring 30 points and collecting 18 rebounds, before being waived on 13 January 2021.[https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/thon-maker-waived-by-cavs/ Thon Maker: Waived by Cavs], CBS, 13 January 2021

On 25 August 2021, Maker signed a deal with Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.{{cite web|title=לבירהרכש מסקרן: ת'ון מייקר מגיע|url=https://basket.co.il/news.asp?id=28160|website=Basket.co.il|date=August 25, 2021|access-date=August 25, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=25 August 2021 |title=Hapoel Jerusalem officially signs Thon Maker |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/hapoel-jerusalem-officially-signs-thon-maker/ |access-date=25 August 2021 |website=Sportando}} He parted ways with the team on 12 December, after averaging 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.{{cite news |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=12 December 2021 |title=Hapoel Jerusalem, Thon Maker officially part ways |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/hapoel-jerusalem-thon-maker-officially-part-ways/ |access-date=12 December 2021 |website=Sportando}}

On 21 January 2022, Maker was acquired via available player pool by the Long Island Nets.{{cite web|url=https://gleague.nba.com/transactions/|website=gleague.nba.com|title=2021-22 NBA G League Transactions|date=January 21, 2022|access-date=January 21, 2022}}

On 28 July 2022, Maker signed with the Fujian Sturgeons.{{Cite news |last=Sportando |first=Redazione |date=28 July 2022 |title=Former Bucks Thon Maker signs with Fujian Sturgeons |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/former-bucks-thon-maker-signs-with-fujian-sturgeons/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Sportando}}

On 12 April 2024, Maker signed with Al Riyadi Club Beirut of the Lebanese Basketball League and the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL).{{cite web|title=Asian Basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings|url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Lebanon/news/865190/Thon-Maker-ex-Fujian-S-joins-Al-Riyadi}} On June 1, 2024, he helped Al Riyadi win their first WASL championship, with 35 points and 15 rebounds in the final against Sagesse.{{cite web|title=Al Riyadi emerge as new FIBA WASL champions.|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/wasl/23-24/final8/news/al-riyadi-emerge-as-new-fiba-wasl-champions|website=FIBA.basketball|access-date=4 June 2024}} Maker was named the inaugural WASL MVP award winner.{{cite web|title=Thon Maker crowned as first-ever FIBA WASL MVP|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/wasl/23-24/final8/news/thon-maker-crowned-as-first-ever-fiba-wasl-mvp|website=FIBA.basketball|access-date=4 June 2024}}

On 15 June, Al Riyadi won the Basketball Champions League Asia for the third time, crowning the team as Asian continental champions. Maker was named to the Tournament Top Five.{{cite web|title=Wael Arakji named Basketball Champions League Asia 2024 MVP|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/bclasia/2024/news/wael-arakji-named-basketball-champions-league-asia-2024-mvp|website=FIBA.basketball|access-date=17 June 2024}}

On 1 October 2024, Maker signed with the Houston Rockets,{{cite web|first=Hiren|last=Joshi|title=Rockets Sign Two Players|url=https://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-two-players-2|website=NBA.com|date=1 October 2024|access-date=1 October 2024}} but was waived on 14 October.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Rockets Waive Thon Maker, Markquis Nowell|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/10/rockets-signing-thon-maker-markquis-nowell-to-exhibit-10-deals.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=14 October 2024|access-date=14 October 2024}} On 27 October, he joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.{{cite web|title=Vipers Announce 2024-25 Training Camp Roster|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/vipers-announce-2024-25-training-camp-roster/n-6160244|website=OurSportsCentral.com|date=27 October 2024|access-date=27 October 2024}}

In April 2015, Maker declared his intentions to play for the Australian national team despite heavy interest from Basketball Canada—the organisation had considered Maker and his younger brother Matur as potential Canadian players.{{cite web|last=Logue|first=Matt|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/basketball/canada-looks-to-poach-rising-australian-basketball-star-thon-maker/news-story/ff8c695a2bf7e7ffc54707fae0e051be|title=Canada looks to poach rising Australian basketball star Thon Maker|work=DailyTelegraph.com.au|date=7 April 2016|access-date=31 May 2018|quote=Maker declared his intentions to play for the Boomers in April 2015 despite heavy interest from Basketball Canada...}} On 29 June 2018, he made his international debut for Australia in a FIBA World Cup qualifier against Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/japan-score-stunning-upset-win-over-matthew-dellavedova-thon-makerled-boomers/news-story/575bad7b775eb6b4430faaa87c6a1817|title=Japan score stunning upset win over Matthew Dellavedova, Thon Maker-led Boomers|work=Courier Mail|date=29 June 2018|access-date=29 June 2018}} Maker was involved in the Philippines–Australia basketball brawl during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualification. As a result, he was suspended for three games.{{cite web |title=Bucks' Thon Maker suspended three FIBA games for role in ugly brawl between Australia and Philippines |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/bucks-thon-maker-suspended-three-fiba-games-for-role-in-ugly-brawl-between-australia-and-philippines/ |website=CBSSports.com |date=19 July 2018 |language=en}}

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2016}}

| style="text-align;left;"| Milwaukee

| 57 || 34 || 9.9 || .459 || .378 || .653 || 2.0 || .4 || .2 || .5 || 4.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align;left;"| Milwaukee

| 74 || 12 || 16.7 || .411 || .298 || .699 || 3.0 || .6 || .5 || .7 || 4.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| {{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Milwaukee

| 35 || 0 || 11.7 || .440 || .333 || .541 || 2.7 || .5 || .3 || .5 || 4.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| Detroit

| 29 || 5 || 19.4 || .373 || .307 || .766 || 3.7 || .9 || .4 || 1.1 || 5.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Detroit

| 60 || 14 || 12.9 || .482 || .344 || .664 || 2.8 || .7 || .4 || .7 || 4.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"| Cleveland

| 8 || 0 || 9.5 || .556 || .000 || .909 || 2.3 || .5 || .3 || .5 || 3.8

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 263 || 65 || 13.8 || .435 || .327 || .680 || 2.8 || .6 || .4 || .7 || 4.6

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2017

| style="text-align:left;"| Milwaukee

| 6 || 6 || 19.3 || .387 || .200 || .818 || 3.2 || 2.0 || .8 || 1.8 || 5.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2018

| style="text-align:left;"| Milwaukee

| 6 || 2 || 21.7 || .393 || .300 || .714 || 3.8 || .8 || .3 || 1.8 || 5.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2019

| style="text-align:left;"| Detroit

| 4 || 2 || 17.3 || .269 || .000 || .889 || 2.3 || 1.0 || 0.0 || 1.0 || 5.5

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 16 || 10 || 19.7 || .353 || .190 || .815 || 3.2 || 1.3 || .4 || 1.6 || 5.6

{{S-end}}

Maker is an Australian and South Sudanese citizen.{{cite web|last=Uluc|first=Olgun|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/thon-maker-officially-exempt-from-trumps-ban-due-to-his-dual-citizenship/news-story/c861d4f87097897988e6e0ffd65831fe|title=Thon Maker officially exempt from Trump's ban due to his dual citizenship|work=Fox Sports|date=31 January 2017|access-date=4 July 2017}}

Maker's parents, who descend from the Dinka people, still live in South Sudan and are also both very tall; his father stands {{Height|m=2.03}} and his mother stands {{Height|m=1.90}}.{{cite web|last=Bednall|first=Jai|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/thon-maker-australian-basketball-prospect-is-a-7footer-that-plays-like-a-guard/news-story/6e14a427def560a69eb667b802c1123d|title=Thon Maker, Australian basketball prospect, is a 7-footer that plays like a guard|work=News.com.au|date=22 October 2014|access-date=22 October 2014}} His brother, Matur, attempted to enter the 2018 NBA draft in a manner similar to Thon before deciding to play internationally instead.{{cite web|last=Borzello|first=Jeff|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21972366|title=Matur Maker to skip college, enter NBA draft|work=ESPN.com|date=5 January 2018|access-date=1 August 2021}} Another brother, Maker Maker, plays soccer for Dandenong Thunder SC, after previously playing in Spain and Lithuania, as well as playing for South Melbourne FC's under-20 team.{{cite web|last=Stamocostas|first=Con|title=Young star not desiring to emulate brother|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/young-star-not-desiring-emulate-brother|work=FourFourTwo.com|date=1 July 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}} He has a cousin, Makur, who plays basketball in the NBA G League, after having previously played for Howard University.{{Cite web|title=Makur Maker - Men's Basketball|url=https://hubison.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/makur-maker/5976|access-date=2021-02-12|website=Howard University Athletics|language=en}} Another cousin, Aliir Aliir, plays in the Australian Football League for Port Adelaide.{{cite web|last=Horne|first=Ben|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/aliir-aliir-and-thon-maker-revealed-to-be-cousins-as-both-chase-their-sporting-dreams/news-story/6fb2d18c4763b68ad51b6d9a264765b3|title=Aliir Aliir and Thon Maker revealed to be cousins as both chase their sporting dreams|work=DailyTelegraph.com.au|date=28 June 2016|access-date=28 September 2016}} In March 2018, Maker confirmed he supported the Sydney Swans due to Aliir playing for them at the time, despite previously supporting the two West Australian teams.{{cite web |date=29 March 2017 |title=Australian NBA star Thon Maker reveals which AFL team he supports |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/australian-nba-star-thon-maker-reveals-which-afl-team-he-supports-sydney-swans-allir-allir/1wpnse6o3vpee1q6bgzinqedsa |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=SportingNews.com.au}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

{{basketballstats|nba=thon_maker|bbr=m/makerth01}}

• [http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/thon-maker/by74QPTwEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/default.htm Thon Maker] at maxpreps.com
• [http://www.nba.com/2016/news/05/13/nba-draft-combine-thon-maker.ap/ After long road, Maker adds intrigue to NBA Draft]
• [http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/04/thon-maker-wants-to-be-part-of-2016-draft.html Thon Maker Seeks To Be Part Of 2016 Draft]
• [http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Thon-Maker-Exclusive-Post-NBA-Draft-Decision-Interview-5417/ Thon Maker Exclusive Post NBA Draft Decision Interview]

{{Rio Grande Valley Vipers current roster}}

{{Al Riyadi 2024 BCL Asia Champions}}

{{2016 NBA draft}}

{{Portal bar|Sports}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maker, Thon}}

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Al Riyadi Club Beirut basketball players

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in Canada

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in China

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in Israel

Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in the United States

Category:Australian men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Perth, Western Australia

Category:Basketball players from Sydney

Category:Centers (basketball)

Category:Cleveland Cavaliers players

Category:Detroit Pistons players

Category:Dinka people

Category:Fujian Sturgeons players

Category:Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. players

Category:Long Island Nets players

Category:Milwaukee Bucks draft picks

Category:Milwaukee Bucks players

Category:NBA high school draftees

Category:Power forwards

Category:Refugees in Uganda

Category:Rio Grande Valley Vipers players

Category:South Sudanese emigrants to Australia

Category:South Sudanese men's basketball players

Category:South Sudanese refugees

Category:Sportsmen from New South Wales

Category:Sportsmen from Western Australia

Category:Sportspeople of South Sudanese descent

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen